Our background holds importance

Published: Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 3:12 p.m.

"A person without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like trees without roots." — Marcus Garvey

I believe that your background is a vital part in shaping you as a person. I was born in the United States but raised in El Salvador. I was raised in poor and happy neighborhoods. Like most children we ran and played with bare feet, dirty and tore-up shirts and pants. We never seamed to mind the humble life we had.

It was hard at times since we didn't have a lot of money, but my mom worked very hard in United States and sent up almost all her paychecks. Thanks to her I now know how hard life actually is, and how to value all the things and opportunities that America provides. People in El Salvador may be really poor, but they truly know how to value the small things.

All the things I have been in, lived through and experienced are what makes me, me. I have different views because the places I have lived and the people I have gotten to know. In America, people accept and see all sides of the coin. In El Salvador, many people have the same beliefs, and new ones are frowned upon. I have a different accent because of the two languages I have learned. Even though I am still learning, it was easier for me since I came to this country when I was still a child.

I have a different taste in foods because I have been exposed to new tastes and flavors. My favorite food is pupusas; this is a tortilla stuffed with cheese and pork served with a cabbage salad and tomato sauce. As I have lived in this country for almost eight years I do love a cheeseburger or pizza quiet often.

I have also adapted to the climate and environment of not only this nation but of this state. I had never seen snow before and the words "I'm cold, turn the heat on or get me a coat" where unknown to me. Not only because El Salvador is right near the equator, but we didn't see many air conditioners around.

I also believe people were more involved in each other's life, and children didn't grow up so fast. No one had technology, so everyone was usually outside playing or swimming in a lake. Neighbors also sat around their porches and gossiped all night.

Schools in El Salvador are allowed to spank or hit you if you don't do your homework or misbehave. Almost every school and every grade had to wear uniforms. You were inspected every time you entered, your shoes had to be clean, and your uniform had to be properly worn.

This makes me different in many aspects, but I love that I have gotten to know two countries that are completely different. Even though they contrast in many ways, they are both amazing countries. Knowing my cultures and heritage helps me shape my morals and influences my personality greatly.

For example, I try to not waste my food because I know of many sipotes, Salvadorian term for children or young ones, who would kill to have half of the food I eat. My parents also send money weekly to their families to show that they came to this country to work and that they still care and know how the situation is in their homelands. I would never change anything I have been though in my life, because it has gotten me to this point, and I am very proud of my culture and past. I know that thanks to my background I can influence the people I encounter who have never experienced a different lifestyle.

America "the land of opportunity" is very unique and different from places anywhere else across the globe. "The Department of Homeland Security estimated in the month of December of 2003 that 8 million to 12 million illegal aliens resided in the United States and 700,000 new illegals enter and stay each year." Why do you think this has come to be? I believe this is because the United States of America provides the chance to live your dreams.

I'm not saying that here everything is handed to you, but there are more resources to enable you to become what you want to be. You can pursue any career you want. You can believe anything you want. The freedoms and variety of possibilities are huge compared to other countries. American means much more than born in the United States. It instills hope and a path to success if you choose to work for it.

Take advantage of all this nation gives. It will be hard, but don't let that stop you from trying and accomplishing it. Words and stereotypes can influence you, but don't let them. You choose to be what you become. "Prove people wrong"; your future is in your hands, and thanks to all the opportunities in this nation it is easier than in other countries. Don't forget your past, because those are the building blocks to your future. Keep being yourself and always work hard.

<p>"A person without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like trees without roots." — Marcus Garvey</p><p>I believe that your background is a vital part in shaping you as a person. I was born in the United States but raised in El Salvador. I was raised in poor and happy neighborhoods. Like most children we ran and played with bare feet, dirty and tore-up shirts and pants. We never seamed to mind the humble life we had.</p><p>It was hard at times since we didn't have a lot of money, but my mom worked very hard in United States and sent up almost all her paychecks. Thanks to her I now know how hard life actually is, and how to value all the things and opportunities that America provides. People in El Salvador may be really poor, but they truly know how to value the small things.</p><p>All the things I have been in, lived through and experienced are what makes me, me. I have different views because the places I have lived and the people I have gotten to know. In America, people accept and see all sides of the coin. In El Salvador, many people have the same beliefs, and new ones are frowned upon. I have a different accent because of the two languages I have learned. Even though I am still learning, it was easier for me since I came to this country when I was still a child.</p><p>I have a different taste in foods because I have been exposed to new tastes and flavors. My favorite food is pupusas; this is a tortilla stuffed with cheese and pork served with a cabbage salad and tomato sauce. As I have lived in this country for almost eight years I do love a cheeseburger or pizza quiet often.</p><p>I have also adapted to the climate and environment of not only this nation but of this state. I had never seen snow before and the words "I'm cold, turn the heat on or get me a coat" where unknown to me. Not only because El Salvador is right near the equator, but we didn't see many air conditioners around.</p><p>I also believe people were more involved in each other's life, and children didn't grow up so fast. No one had technology, so everyone was usually outside playing or swimming in a lake. Neighbors also sat around their porches and gossiped all night.</p><p>Schools in El Salvador are allowed to spank or hit you if you don't do your homework or misbehave. Almost every school and every grade had to wear uniforms. You were inspected every time you entered, your shoes had to be clean, and your uniform had to be properly worn. </p><p>This makes me different in many aspects, but I love that I have gotten to know two countries that are completely different. Even though they contrast in many ways, they are both amazing countries. Knowing my cultures and heritage helps me shape my morals and influences my personality greatly.</p><p>For example, I try to not waste my food because I know of many sipotes, Salvadorian term for children or young ones, who would kill to have half of the food I eat. My parents also send money weekly to their families to show that they came to this country to work and that they still care and know how the situation is in their homelands. I would never change anything I have been though in my life, because it has gotten me to this point, and I am very proud of my culture and past. I know that thanks to my background I can influence the people I encounter who have never experienced a different lifestyle.</p><p>America "the land of opportunity" is very unique and different from places anywhere else across the globe. "The Department of Homeland Security estimated in the month of December of 2003 that 8 million to 12 million illegal aliens resided in the United States and 700,000 new illegals enter and stay each year." Why do you think this has come to be? I believe this is because the United States of America provides the chance to live your dreams.</p><p>I'm not saying that here everything is handed to you, but there are more resources to enable you to become what you want to be. You can pursue any career you want. You can believe anything you want. The freedoms and variety of possibilities are huge compared to other countries. American means much more than born in the United States. It instills hope and a path to success if you choose to work for it. </p><p>Take advantage of all this nation gives. It will be hard, but don't let that stop you from trying and accomplishing it. Words and stereotypes can influence you, but don't let them. You choose to be what you become. "Prove people wrong"; your future is in your hands, and thanks to all the opportunities in this nation it is easier than in other countries. Don't forget your past, because those are the building blocks to your future. Keep being yourself and always work hard.</p>